KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is ready to cooperate with authorities if indeed there was any evidence of ship-to-ship transfers of sanctioned Iranian oil in Malaysian waters.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the United States had not provided any evidence to support the allegation.
"If there are, then we would have to put that in check. As far as we are concerned, we accept the decision of the United Nations (UN), but of course, we do not agree with unilateral sanctions imposed by the US.
"Our position is that sanctions can only be decided by the UN. If they (the US) have evidence, then of course we have to stop (Malaysian entities from engaging in activities banned by UN sanctions).
"This is because we want to be part of the international community that accepts ground rules."
He said this in an interview on Talk To Al Jazeera, aired earlier this morning.
On May 9, US Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said the US believed that waters off Malaysia and in the region were being used as a point for Iranian oil to be sold to buyers to escape the US sanctions on Iran.
He said the US had been monitoring ship-to-ship oil transfers in Malaysian waters.
Meanwhile, Anwar in the Al Jazeera interview said the government's sessions with the US Treasury were "subdued and orderly".
"We have given clear undertakings that we do not transgress international rules, and if there is evidence, we certainly will cooperate. No question about it."
He was also asked to respond to US sanctions on four Malaysia-based companies in December last year.
These companies had been accused of being fronts supporting Iran's production of drones.
"Well, we said you can impose your power and authority, but you have to give evidence and I can assure you that we will give you all the necessary support.
"No (countermeasures from the government). We will have to continue to engage. We have to defend the rights of our companies, if they don't transgress international law or decisions by the UN.
"You can't try and deem to be bullying smaller states, particularly a loyal friend for a long time," added Anwar.
